Top Do’s and Don’ts of pharmacist prescribing

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Sukhi Basra

Don’t believe you are too late to start your journey as a prescriber, even if you’ve been practising pharmacy for decades! Over the years you will have acquired many relevant skills. My journey into independent prescribing happened later than most – 28 years after graduation – and I have come to realise that long before I held a prescription pad, I was building foundations.

Mike Hewitson

I believe that to prescribe safely, an electronic health record is pretty much essential. So, definitely do think about how technology can help you to run a safe, effective and efficient consultation. There are lots of tools available, from AI transcription aids through to full electronic health records, which I think would help NPA members and allow others to audit prescribing if required.

NPA’s Pharmacy Advice and Support team

• Do talk to your local GPs about what you are planning in terms of prescribing services.
• Do bring colleagues on board and consider your pharmacy’s skill mix. Speak to staff about how to manage their new workload.

• Do think hard before selecting the areas of practice in which to develop your prescribing skills. For example, do you have a particular passion for COPD or minor ailments?
• If you are looking at expanding private services, do make sure you are up to date with the needs of your local community and where there are opportunities. Reach out to the community and use their feedback as a steer to pricing.
• Do confirm your insurance covers you for independent prescribing. NPA Insurance has been supporting independent prescribing for over 20 years.
• Do keep learning. Undertaking consultations under the supervision of a senior clinician/peer is an opportunity to receive feedback. This feedback is vital to support prescribers in identifying areas to further develop and improve, as well as promote self-reflection on their current skill and knowledge levels.
• Do ensure clear records are kept of all consultations and they are stored in line with record keeping requirements. Have the relevant clinical governance frameworks in place, including SOPs and risk assessments, and complete regular audits.
• Ensure you have safeguarding and chaperone policies and processes in place – protect yourself and your patient – and remember your duty of candour.

For NPA members

• Do make use of free IP support on the NPA website. We are offering a gold standard package of training, operating procedures, clinical guidance and business support.
• Don’t feel you have to do this all alone. Reach out to other prescribing pharmacists and share your experiences to help build confidence. The NPA platform includes an option to be part of an online community of practice, sharing operational insights and learning together.
• Do check it out.